The University of Kentucky’s football team has received multiple honors from Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus. Among those recognized are defensive lineman Deone Walker and defensive back Maxwell Hairston, who were both named All-Americans by Phil Steele. Walker earned a spot on the fourth team, while Hairston received an honorable mention. Both players had exceptional seasons and played key roles in the Wildcats’ success.
In addition to the All-America honors, several Wildcats were named to the Phil Steele All-SEC team. Running back Ray Davis, defensive lineman Deone Walker, kick returner Barion Brown, and offensive linemen Marques Cox and Eli Cox were all recognized for their outstanding performances this season. Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson also received recognition from Pro Football Focus as a member of the All-SEC first team.
Deone Walker, a dominant force on the defensive line, finished the regular season with 51 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. Maxwell Hairston, on the other hand, totaled five interceptions this season, including four in SEC action. Hairston’s five interceptions tied for the fifth-most in a single season in program history.
Ray Davis, a graduate transfer, had an impressive season as well. He rushed for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking third in the SEC among running backs. He also had 317 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Davis set a school record by scoring a total of 20 touchdowns this season.
Barion Brown distinguished himself as a kick returner, leading the conference and ranking second in the nation with 31.7 yards per kickoff return. He also had two kickoff return touchdowns, tying the Kentucky records for most kickoff return touchdowns in a season and career.
Marques Cox and Eli Cox were members of an offensive line that was recognized on the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the top offensive line in the nation. They helped create holes for Ray Davis and provided protection for quarterback Devin Leary, who recorded the second most touchdowns in the SEC.
D’Eryk Jackson led the team with 81 tackles and made key plays throughout the season, including interceptions against Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. He was an integral part of the Wildcats’ defense.
The honors received by these players are a testament to the team’s success this season. Kentucky has been invited to the 79th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, where they will face No. 22 Clemson. This will be the Wildcats’ eighth consecutive bowl appearance, a school record. The game will be televised on ESPN.
